Benalla Airport User Group secretary Martin Jacobson.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The recently incorporated Benalla Airport User Group is keen to work with council to make the most of the airport precinct.
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The not-for-profit group is made up of 15 representatives of airport user groups, including the Gliding Club of Victoria, the Balloon Association of Victoria, the Aviation Museum, Men’s Shed, hanger owners and the Benalla Aeroclub, to name a few.
BAUG secretary Martin Jacobson said airport users were interviewed by Benalla Rural City Council, with a view to creating a new master plan, which members of the group were yet to see.
“That was about 12 months ago, and it was due to come out in draft form for feedback, but we’re still waiting to see it,” he said.
Mr Jacobson said the group had big plans, and wanted to work with council to see them come to fruition, but seeing the new masterplan, and offering feedback on it, was an important first step.
Benalla Airport sits on a huge parcel of land only minutes from the CBD.
“This is a big piece of land in the middle of town,” he said.
“It's underutilised and the community could use it a lot more than they do.
“So we set up the user group to give some representation to council in a formalised way.
“We had our first meeting and resolved to form an incorporated not-for-profit, tabling a couple of documents that basically spell out things we believe would benefit the airport.”
Benalla Airport User Group objectives
Foster courtesy and respect to all users.
Improve opportunities for local aviation in all its forms, and for aviation businesses.
Refine and promote safe and standard procedures as the airport’s use increases.
Work with Benalla Rural City Council on the economic sustainability of the airport.
Increase the visitor economy by promoting/marketing airport bookable products and experiences including glider flights, balloon flights, Aviation Museum visits and flight training.
Annually quantify economic impact of airport/aviation activities, and the number of ratepayers who use the airport.
Promote improved precinct appearance. Hangar Lane provides an opportunity to be activated for the local community, business visitors and airport users.
Recognise the airport as a hub for medical evacuations, firefighting, police, energy and community infrastructure support.
Promote the upgrading airport infrastructure with BRCC: toilets, sewerage, water, electrical power, community walking track.
Promote improved airport security.
Propose a public viewing area for general aviation, gliding and balloon events.
Propose the desirability of a fixed base operation.
Encourage visitation of aircraft, aviators, flying and aviation events.
Request a BRCC airport prospectus with opportunities, timelines and charges.
Raise the heritage profile of the airport.
Mr Jacobson said there were many successful airports in Australia.
“Ballarat’s a classic example,” he said.
“Almost every club in Ballarat has their clubrooms out at the airport.”
He said he would like to see that in Benalla.
“We’re an ex-military facility and have buildings and so much room here that could be utilised by the community,” he said.
“The perimeter road, for instance, is 7km, approximately, around the airport.
“It could be a multi-purpose linear part for activities like running, walking and cycling.
“There could be a viewing area where all the gliding activities take place.
“We could also have more commercial operators that bring tourists into town, and they don’t necessarily need to be aviation-related.
“It’s just a great facility that anyone should be able to use.”
Benalla Rural City Council has been contacted for comment.
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